Red Dead Redemption 2 is packed with unique collectibles that offer valuable upgrades for Arthur Morgan during his journey. Among these rare treasures is the Old Brass Compass, a vital component needed to craft one of the most beneficial items in the game. Acquiring this pocket-sized item requires patience, exploration, and a keen eye for detail across the massive map.
Starting the Geology for Beginners Quest
To begin your hunt for this rare compass, you must first trigger a specific Stranger Mission titled Geology for Beginners. This quest is given by a mysterious man named Francis Sinclair, who can be found outside his cabin northwest of Strawberry. Speaking with this strangely dressed individual will task you with finding ten unusual rock carvings scattered throughout the world.
Finding this location early in Chapter 2 is highly recommended so you can log discoveries as you explore naturally. Francis will explain that he needs the exact coordinates of these carvings, setting off a massive scavenger hunt. Once the dialogue concludes, the tracking process officially begins in your logbook.
Locating Every Hidden Rock Carving
The ten required rock carvings are hidden in remote areas, often carved into steep cliff faces and high mountain ridges. You will need to travel from the snowy peaks of Ambarino to the rocky edges of New Hanover to spot them all. Carefully inspecting each carving allows Arthur to sketch the bizarre designs into his journal for later use.
Using binoculars can help you spot these patterns from a safe distance before climbing down dangerous ridges. Some carvings are positioned near deep valleys, requiring careful pathfinding to avoid accidental lethal falls. Ensuring you have discovered all ten locations is mandatory before proceeding to the final stage of the mission.
Claiming the Old Brass Compass Reward
After successfully mapping all ten locations, your next destination is any local Post Office to mail the coordinates to Francis Sinclair. After sending the complete list, you must wait a few in-game days for a response to arrive. Check back regularly until you receive an official invitation letter asking you to return to the cabin.
Traveling back to the remote cabin triggers a fascinating and mind-bending cutscene involving the true nature of Francis. Once the strange encounter concludes, you are free to explore the inside of the unlocked home. The Old Brass Compass will be sitting clearly on the table, waiting for you to pick it up.
Crafting the Powerful Raven Claw Talisman
Obtaining the rare compass is only half the battle, as its primary purpose is serving as a unique crafting ingredient. You must take this item to a Fence along with a regular Quartz Cutter to craft the legendary Raven Claw Talisman. This specific piece of equipment permanently slows down the degradation rate of all your weapons by twenty percent.
This powerful bonus makes the long scavenger hunt entirely worthwhile for players looking to optimize their combat efficiency. Carrying this talisman ensures your firearms remain clean and fully effective during intense gunfights without constant maintenance. Fulfilling this quest adds significant progress toward achieving total completion in your single-player adventure.
